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Thrillers, Killers 'n' Chillers.
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| Good times: Denise, Graham , Matt, Col, Sheila 'n' Dave |
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| To coin from Dave's story: 'Best Mates 'n' Lovers'! :-) |
Yep, we had a 'mini-crimefest' up at
Crimesquad reviewer-cum-writer, Graham Smith's stunning converted mill, (
The Mill Forge) where many a Brit has kept with tradition to 'elope'. None of us got hitched, but Dave Barber and I frolicked at the 'Kissing Gate'! (Don't tell the wives).
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| The bosses... Lisa 'n' Mand'. |
On Friday we settled in and, along with Graham 'n' Dave, we chewed the fat about crime writing, editing, webzines, eBooks, our 'novels', plus 'man-talk' into the wee hours. So, as is tradition, we all got shit-faced! :-)
On Saturday, after a splendid day Christmas shopping up the road at Gretna Gateway, we met up with thriller author
Matt Hilton, his lovely wife, Denise and crime novelist
Sheila Quigley. In the bar on Saturday night, the stories and banter flowed smoother than the ale, and talk about laugh - I nearly bought a round. :-)
It was truly great to hook up with genuine, like-minded people who I'm proud to call my friends. A top weekend was had by all, so thanks to our host, Graham and his wonderful staff at The Mill Forge, for their hospitality. I feel an annual event in the offing.
Enough rambling, I'll let the pics speak for themselves...
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Pine Lake - check out the backdrop of the snow-topped Lake District mountains
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| Col 'n' Mand' |
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| Wolf at the bar... spooky... |
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| "One pint of froth coming up!" |
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| "You're sacked, Bury!" |
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| Love this pic. |
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| Spent a bloody fortune... but they're worth it |
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| Brit Gritters |
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| Happy families: Joe, Mand, Col 'n' Olivia |
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| Our wonderful kids... Melissa, Olivia, Joe 'n' Imogen |
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| Warped minds of Crime... |
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| No, Dave, that rope won't take your weight! :-) |
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| Aw... Melissa, Imogen, Joe 'n' Olivia |
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| I've already thought of a short story for this! |
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| Kids havin' fun. For once am taller than Barber! |
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| On our way back... to reality... |
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| But we couldn't resist stopping for the stunning view of the Lakes... |
It was brill... I think you got the picture!
